27Sep13

Ambassador Janez Lenarčič, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic
Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), expressed his disappointment today
following notification from the Spanish authorities that monitors from the Office
would not be welcome at an anti-monarchy demonstration in Madrid on
Saturday.

"Like all OSCE participating States, Spain has committed to guaranteeing the
freedom of peaceful assembly, and the work of monitors is critical to assuring
that this freedom is safeguarded," Lenarčič said. "Our Office has traditionally
enjoyed good co-operation with Spain, so this turnaround is surprising."

In May, the Spanish authorities pledged their full co-operation with ODIHR
assembly monitoring in the country. Late yesterday, however, the Office
received notice of the authorities' change of heart.

"The sudden opposition on the part of the Spanish authorities raises concerns
over their intentions tomorrow," Lenarčič said. "We call on the authorities to
ensure full respect of the freedom of peaceful assembly, in line with OSCE
commitments and other international human rights standards."

The demonstration tomorrow against the institution of the monarchy is most
recent in a series of public assemblies ODIHR was to monitor. Over the past
two years ODIHR has monitored assemblies in 13 OSCE countries, including
Greece, Italy, Portugal, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United
States.

In November 2012, ODIHR published a report highlighting challenges and
good practices identified in monitoring assemblies.

This document has been published on 11Oct13 by the Equipo Nizkor and Derechos Human Rights. In accordance with
Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a
prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational
purposes.